1. The Development of the Muslim Empire and the Schism within Islam

2. The First Four Caliphs
Muhammad died in 632 = Elders and leaders within the Islamic community chose the following men to be caliph (successor of the prophet)
Abu Bakr (r )
Umar (r )
Uthman (r )
Ali (r )
* All four are from Quraysh tribe

3. Abu Bakr (r. 632-634) Faced 2 major problems
Loss of loyalty with Muhammad’s death
Appearance of false prophets
Despite problems worked to expand empire

4. Umar (r. 634-644) Continued to add to the Islamic territory
Administered Islamic State by defining territory between lands where Islam was practiced dar al-Islam and land from which attacks were launched dar al-Harb

5. Uthman (r )
The first 6 years of reign = peaceful and prosperous but he came to face problems:
Expansion slows
Wealthy violating the zakat
Accused of nepotism
Killed in 656 by a mob

6. Ali (r. 656-661) Strong support from many Muslims
Also faced resistance – especially from Syrian Gov. Muawiya (from the Umayyad Clan), Uthman’s cousin
Results in Battle
of Siffin

7. Division of the Umma (Islamic Community)
2 Caliphs – Muawiya reigns over Syria & Egypt
Ali over Saudi Arabia and other areas
661 = attempts on both of their lives; Ali is killed, Muawiya not = Begins the reign of the Umayyads from Damascus, Syria

9. The Umayyads vs. Muhammad’s Family
Muawiya dies in 680 = son Yezid became successor
Opposition from Ali and Fatima’s son Hussain = Battle
Result = schism w/in Islam = Sunnis and Shiites

10. Sunni Shiite “The Way” “The Party of Ali” 85-90% of Muslims
Muhammad never
chose successor
Devout Muslims can
rule
Caliph = descendent of Muhammad
Ali was chosen as successor
Hussain is a martyr
Only an imam can interpret the Quran
Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon = largest %
Daily practices are similar
Both share similar understanding of Islamic beliefs: concepts of piety, striving for goodness and social justice
Both live by Five Pillars